Man injured on Deal seafront has been named

A 63-year-old man, who suffered head injuries after an accident on Deal seafront on Monday, has been named locally as lay minister Paul Henderson.

Mr Henderson, of Walmer, was hit by a cyclist on the bend on Beach Street, outside the Royal Hotel, at 10.48am.

An air ambulance arrived on Deal beach within 18 minutes and later transported him to King’s College Hospital in London in less than 45 minutes.

It is believed he has broken ribs and bruises to the brain.

The scene of the accident in Beach Street, Deal

Andy Smith, 29, of Woodstock Road, Deal, was in his lorry having his work break when he witnessed the incident.

He said: “A man just stepped straight onto the road right in front of the cyclist.

“He was thrown to the middle of the road head first and the cyclist ended up in a heap on the floor as well.

“I rushed out of the lorry and ran up the road towards them both. I ran to the cyclist first, I asked if he was okay and he said he was hurt but would be okay.

“I checked the man was breathing okay and he sat up slightly. I laid him back down and rang for an ambulance.

“One of his friends drove past, stopped and we got him to sit on a front door step and kept talking to him to keep him conscious. We asked if he could remember anything or where he was and he couldn't.

“He didn’t recognise his friend either.”

The point in the road has a history of accidents.

In 2009, a woman was seriously injured and in 2010 a man died after he was crushed against the hotel wall when two cars collided.

A KentOnline poll discovered 89% of readers thought the bend was dangerous.